The Constitution of India imagined this country not merely as a geographical territory, but as a living union of many languages, religions, cultures, and traditions. The leadership that emerged from the freedom struggle laid the foundation of the nation on the principle of “unity in diversity.” But if we observe the political developments of the last twelve years, there is growing concern that a systematic attempt is being made to weaken that constitutional vision. Without formally abolishing the Constitution, constitutional values are being diluted through amendments and unilateral decisions. Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) enjoys a parliamentary majority, many fear that objections from the opposition are being ignored and important decisions are being pushed through without meaningful debate. Behind attractive slogans such as “New India,” “Viksit Bharat,” and “cultural nationalism,” many critics see an attempt to impose one religion, one culture, and one political ideology upon the country.

The political project of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) appears to go beyond electoral victories. It is increasingly viewed as an effort to gradually transform India’s secular democratic system into a “Hindu national state.” This transformation did not happen overnight. Decades of ideological propaganda, reinterpretation of history, religion-based political mobilization, media influence, and weakening of constitutional institutions have together created the present situation.

While the Constitution recognizes every citizen as equal, Hindutva politics is increasingly dividing citizens on the basis of religious identity. Dangerous questions such as “Who are the real patriots?” and “Who are the traitors?” are being planted within society. In particular, political propaganda portraying Muslims and Christians as permanent suspects has intensified sharply. Lynchings in the name of cow protection, allegations of “Love Jihad,” bulldozer politics, and provocative slogans during religious processions have increased fear and division in society. Several international reports released in 2024 also noted a serious rise in hate speech and communal tensions against minorities in India.

In a democracy, the media is expected to question power on behalf of the people. But today, a large section of the mainstream media is being criticized for functioning as a propaganda machinery for the ruling establishment. Instead of focusing on unemployment, rising prices, farmers’ problems, and crises in education and healthcare, media attention is increasingly centered on communal tensions, aggressive nationalism, and attacks on opposition parties. India ranking 157th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index is not a coincidence. It raises serious concerns about the condition of press freedom in the country.

The weakening of independent institutions is another disturbing development. Critics argue that institutions such as the Election Commission, investigative agencies, the Governor system, the Rajya Sabha Chairmanship, and even the office of the Speaker are increasingly functioning in favor of the ruling party. The fact that opposition parties have moved no-confidence motions against the Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman itself reflects the seriousness of the situation. Important laws are being passed in Parliament without proper debate, opposition members are being suspended, and investigative agencies are allegedly being used against political rivals. Mass defections are encouraged, while those who refuse to surrender politically are subjected to raids, legal harassment, fabricated cases, and imprisonment under laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for years. Such practices are weakening democratic balance.

The Electoral Bonds issue further strengthened suspicions regarding the relationship between corporate interests and political power. Even the Supreme Court observed that the Electoral Bonds system disproportionately benefited the ruling party and was not appropriate. However, the Court stopped short of ordering the recovery of what critics describe as illegitimate political funding.

Even more dangerous is the rise of “devotional politics” in place of constitutional values. A culture is growing in which questioning the government is portrayed as anti-national. Critical thinking is being suppressed in universities, student movements are facing criminal cases, history textbooks are being altered, and mythological narratives are often promoted over scientific temper. These developments indicate a new form of ideological control. Human rights organizations, citing National Crime Records Bureau data, have pointed to increases in hate crimes and social conflict cases. International newspapers and media organizations have repeatedly commented on these concerns.

In the economic sphere too, the propaganda of “development” hides widening inequality. On one hand, Indian corporate elites are rapidly rising among the world’s richest individuals; on the other hand, unemployment is pushing young people into deep frustration. According to data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), youth unemployment remains a severe problem. The agrarian crisis, decline of small businesses, and rapid privatization have further destabilized the lives of ordinary people. Yet communal and nationalist propaganda continues to overshadow these economic questions.

The ideology of the RSS seeks to move India toward cultural uniformity. But India’s real strength lies in its diversity. Tamils, Telugus, Bengalis, Kashmiris, Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians — all are equal owners of this country. That is the spirit of the Constitution. Any attempt to define nationalism through a single religion poses a danger to the unity and integrity of India itself.

This is not merely criticism of one political party. It is a concern about the future of Indian democracy. Democracy is not limited to elections alone. Free media, independent institutions, respect for dissent, protection of minorities, and constitutional morality are equally essential to its survival. If these values weaken, elections may continue formally, but the spirit of democracy itself will gradually become hollow.

India today stands at a critical crossroads. Will the country follow the constitutional path of equality, or move toward religion-based majoritarian politics? That is the central question before the nation. Democracy cannot be protected by courts and laws alone. Public vigilance, the courage to question authority, and a culture that respects diversity are equally important. Otherwise, behind the slogan of “New India,” constitutional India may slowly disappear.